This study has two objectives. First, we will quantify the effect on eagle fatality rates of painting a single turbine blade black on numerous wind turbines

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) awarded a $252,000 Cooperative Agreement under the Migratory Bird Monitoring, Assessment and Conservation program (CFDA 15.655) to Pacificorp's Rocky Mountain Power division. The study aims to quantify the effects of painting a single turbine blade black on eagle fatality rates at wind turbines, as well as determine impacts on non-eagle bird and bat species. This research will help federal and state regulatory agencies understand the potential impacts of this approach on the broad suite of species susceptible to turbine collisions. Pacificorp is partnering with the U.S. Geological Survey, Renewable Energy Wildlife Institute, FWS, Oregon State University, and others to expand and validate this approach across the United States. The project duration is from June 2024 to March 2028.

Second, we aim to determine if there is an effect on fatality rates of flying animals that are not eagles (all bats, all other bird species). This second objective is essential to ensuring that blade painting does not somehow increase non-eagle fatalities even as IT may reduce eagle fatalities. Understanding potential impacts to non-eagle birds and bats will be important as federal and state regulatory agencies desire information on impacts to the broad suite of species that may be susceptible to turbine-related collisions. Pacificorp, in consultation with the federal aviation administration, is partnering with the US geological survey, renewable energy wildlife institute, US fish and wildlife service, oregon state university, and others to expand and validate this approach in the united states.